John Tesh
 

Went to the 6:00 p.m. show last night. It was a mixed bag of a show that could never keep a train of thought. People on stage included a top notch band, a decent female singer, a hip hop dancer, some audience participation, his reformed crackhead brother-inlaw and his wife, and a homeless couple with their one year old baby. Before the show there was a shameless huckster working the audience in order to sell cd's, t-shirts etc. She referred to the audience as Lake people (as in Lady Lake). The hip hop dancer had a nice solo, but for the rest of the night he hip hopped randomly across the stage like the ticker symbols on CNBC. Tesh told tedious stories about his sixteen year old daughter at various intervals in the show and even rapped a story about her.

When the show stuck to music it was good. There was a fun Twelve Days of Christmas segment and some really good contemporary Christmas tunes. But it ended on a somber (think downer) note, and the last number was a Mexican/Spanish/Flamenco cantina ditty. Good, but hardly the way to end a show billed as Christmas With John Tesh. It was a two hour show that was an hour too long.

I also attended the show - went to the 830 show.

I give the show a higher rating than you do, of course everyone has different tastes.

Not crazy about the brother-in-law appearance but you left out what he was there for - besides being reformed he is helping others and while here he helped that homeless couple and their child find a home and got them some job offers. I think anyone who can help someone find a job is doing a community a service.

They also gave away CD's, tee shirts, money, and more - I guess in an effort to promote giving during the holiday season. He spoke about the benefits of giving not only for others but for yourself. (not necessarily money, maybe volunteering your time)

I didn't leave on a downer at all, I enjoyed the last number because it reminded me of his Red Rocks CD which is one of my favorites.

The 12 days of Christmas was the best, nice twist on an old traditional song. Our audience really got involved.

There were very few vacant seats, I was glad to see that. Recently we went to Golf, The Musical and it was only about half full. Not a very positive indicator for a community that is looking for a new performing arts center.

The six o'clock show was almost full also. I probably should have gone to the 830 show also; cocktail hour probably would have helped.

I have to admit, I had a couple of glasses of wine with dinner.

We were at the 8:30 PM show. We bought the tickets on Monday and were in row HH center. The row behind us was full but from row JJ on our side back to the end of the orchestra seats was empty. Had never been to a John Tesh concert and none of quite knew what to expect. My group agreed that we enjoyed the show but wouldn't go again next year. Our first thoughts were, the $35 tickets may have caused people some hesitation. We were also turned off by the brother-in-law's appeal. We didn't think that it was appropriate for a concert. The $35 ticket price was appropriate when you consider the size of the show with orchestra and light show techs, and the stage hands needed. My guess is it took about 30 people to put that show on. Agreed, with a coctail (maybe two) before, the show would have no doubt been better!

I understand the Abba show each year is an early sell out. Tickets for that show went on sale Monday, 11/29.

George